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If you have played Peggle on any of the multiple consoles where it has been previously released, you know what you are getting into with the XBLA release of this addictive puzzler. The game is essentially the same as previous releases, and there is very little wrong with that.

Unless you have been living under a rock, then you haven’t missed out on this simple yet enthralling game that leads to a lot of gamers saying “just one more level” while playing. The premise of Peggle is to aim and release a ball, attempting to hit all of the orange pegs scattered across the level. To clear each stage, the player must clear these pegs before depleting the 10 ball inventory.

Also in each level are green pegs. Once hit, one of 10 special abilities becomes available. At the bottom of the screen is a moving basket. If your ball lands in it, you will receive an extra ball. This moving target provides an extra opportunity for strategy. Other bonuses pop up throughout the game to ensure that repetition never sets in.

Once all of the orange pegs are cleared, a euphoric like screen commences (as seen above) with slow motion movement and Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” ending each level.

Even though Peggle looks colorful in HD widescreen, this game is not one to play for the graphics. The fun factor is the same whether playing on the 360 or the iPod.

One new feature of the 360 version is online play. In addition to a robust single player mode, Peggle includes four multiplayer modes. An “Xbox Live Peg Party” is an up to four player competition with “Xbox Live Duel” intended for a two player matchup.

Peggle is, in a way, more of a distraction than a game. It is an appetizer to a main course, like Gears of War 2, if you will. We have seen many overpriced games. PopCap could have easily gotten away with charging 1200 MS Points but decided on a $10 price point. Peggle is a game that everyone should play, even if you’ve already done so on multiple other platforms.